Builder Stories

What does it take to evolve from a one-man remodel crew to a high-end design-build brand built for scale? Tyler Madden launched Laurelless with a mission to raise the bar in remodeling, guided by a relentless pursuit of excellence that’s reflected in the name itself (Laurelless means no resting on laurels). Nearly a decade later, he has built a company defined by unwavering standards for both the clients they serve ...

What does it take to grow a construction business from a dream into a sought-after brand known for craftsmanship and care? Tyler Winship found out firsthand when he launched Englewood Custom Carpentry the same day he was fired from another company. Now, nearly a decade later, Winship is running a thriving business with a reputation that stretches across Florida’s Gulf Coast.

In this episode, he shares the systems he...

What do the most successful remodelers do differently? How do smaller companies break through growth ceilings and become industry leaders? Mark Richardson has spent his career helping contractors make that leap. As the former President of Case Design Remodeling, an author, and a trusted advisor to the industry’s top companies, he shares what it really takes to grow. Richardson breaks down the specific habits, metric...

Working with your spouse isn’t always easy, but it can be one of your biggest strengths. Here, Dees Britt shares how she and her husband built Redeemed Decks and Outdoor Solutions in Madison, Mississippi, while raising three kids and learning to set boundaries between work and home.

Britt also shares the systems and strategies that helped their business grow faster than expected. From refining the sales process to h...

You don’t need a lifelong construction background to build a profitable remodeling business. In this episode of Builder Stories, Dominick Thompson shares how he went from the automotive industry and military service to learning construction and starting Watershed Builders in Charlotte.

Dominick breaks down how he built strong processes and stability into his business from the very beginning. He priced jobs with conf...

Meet Wilbur Jennings, owner of Wilbur Design + Construct in Marquette, Michigan. Jennings started in the trades at the age of 13, and developed a passion for building. He went on to earn a degree in construction management, and founded Wilbur Design while “flying by the seat of my pants.” Over the course of his journey in leadership he incorporated a mission and vision; clear systems and processes; an intentional compa...

Meet Mike Claudio, owner of WinRate Consulting in Charlotte, NC. After walking away from corporate burnout, Mike built a business helping contractors scale with clarity, leadership, and systems that work. In this episode, he breaks down the three biggest reasons construction companies lose momentum, how to build core values that actually guide your team, and the biggest mistake leaders make when casting a vision. Pl...

Meet George Lokko, owner of Y2 Design & Build located in Westerville, Ohio. George shares how he went from a career in engineering and finance to building one of Columbus’ most process-driven and design-forward remodeling firms. After losing his job during COVID, George took the leap into construction by learning from the ground up—literally starting with demolition—and eventually laun...

Meet Johnny Buck, founder of 13 Stripes Construction in Marion, NC. In this episode, Buck shares his journey from MMA fighter to construction business owner with a mission to revolutionize the home services industry. After building a top 1% gym and navigating a hurricane that reshaped his business overnight, Buck brings a fresh perspective to construction rooted in discipline and repeatable systems and processes. He ta...